Are you considering renting a self storage unit in Wichita, KS? If so, it's important to be organized and plan ahead to make the most of the space.
Check out these six tips for getting started.
How to Organize Your Items in Self-Storage Units
1. Use shelves for boxes and other items.
Using shelves is a great way to organize your boxes, books, and any other items that you plan to use frequently. They’re also useful for keeping the floor clear of clutter and making it easier to to move throughout your storage unit.
Although any shelving will technically work, we recommend sturdy shelving with a high weight limit to easily handle anything you place on it. When setting up your shelving unit, place heavy items near the bottom, fragile (or light) items at the top, and items that you frequently use in the middle shelves.
Next, make sure all your boxes are labeled. Being well organized helps you remember where everything is or even helps a friend if they're getting something from your unit on your behalf!
After this step, try to organize the items by category (clothing vs tools vs sports gear) so related items are grouped together and easier to find.
2. Label everything with a list of the contents.
It's important to label every box you put in your unit, whether it's all full or empty. All too often, people will misplace items in their storage units because they cannot remember which unit they put them in. By labeling your boxes, you will always know exactly where your belongings are and you won't have to waste time searching through multiple units.
Labeling is also an effective way to keep track of items after they have been moved into your home when you are unpacking them again after moving out of storage into your new place! It may seem overkill at first because there will only be a few things left in each box, but it just becomes second nature after a while.
3. Fold clothing and linens neatly to save on space.
Folding is the easiest way to save space in a self-storage unit. To fold clothes and linens, first lay them flat on a surface so that the long edges are parallel with each other (this will create an “L” shape).
Fold the bottom third of your piece of clothing up toward where it meets at the top, then fold it again in half along its length.
Finally, fold both sides inward toward one another until they meet at their respective middle points (like folding in half) and place them into your storage unit together with their seams facing outwards so that any dirt or dust won’t get trapped inside when you open them later on!
4. Create a list of what is in each box so that you can easily find each item.
If you feel overwhelmed by the size of your storage unit, it can be helpful to create a list of what’s in there. After all, one of the main reasons people use self-storage units is because they need extra space for their stuff! But if you don’t know what’s in the unit already, how will you know what else needs to go in?
Here are a few tips when creating a list:
- Be as specific as possible. For example, if you have a box labeled “summer clothes”, include a list of every item that is inside the box. This way, you will know exactly what is in the box and where to find it when you need it.
- Include the box number, what is in the box, and where it is located.
- Store the list with your other important documents in a fireproof lockbox. This way it will be protected from water damage and other disasters.
- Make sure to keep adding new things as you move more boxes into your storage unit. If something gets lost or forgotten about, you will have a comprehensive list of contents for each box so that you can easily find whatever it is that needs finding!
5. Store large items like bikes and furniture against the walls.
If you have larger items like bicycles or furniture, it's best to store them against the walls of your self-storage unit. This will free up space in the middle of the unit so that you can store other things, and it will also help to protect your belongings from getting damaged if someone accidentally bumps into them while walking around.
To maximize space, you can also disassemble furniture before storing it in the unit. For example, take the legs off of a table or take the mattress and box spring off of a bed frame. Just make sure to label all of the pieces so that you know how to put them back together again later! Another tip is to keep the legs and machinery (screws) together by tape or in a clear, plastic bag so when you go to reassemble, everything is there.
6. Use a floor plan.
Just like when moving into an apartment or home, having some sort of floor plan will help keep everything organized and tidy. You might want to consider making sure that everything has its own place, especially if it's something large like furniture pieces or appliances (think washing machines). Consider as well putting the items you want to use the most closest to the front and the longer term storage items in the back. This will save time later on when looking for where something goes when needed again.
Creating a floor plan is easy! Simply take a measuring tape and measure out the dimensions of your storage unit. Then, use graph paper to draw out a scale model of the space. Finally, start placing your belongings in the unit according to the floor plan.
Final Thoughts
If you take time to organize before you move in, then it will be easy to find what you need when you need it later.
Self-storage units can be a great way to keep your belongings safe and sound while you're in between homes or even just need some extra space. But before you start packing everything into boxes, it's important to take some time to think about how you're going to organize everything. That way, when you need to find something, later on, it will be easy!
Contact South Rock Storage today to find out more about our self-storage units in Wichita, Kansas! We have a variety of sizes and amenities to choose from so that you can find the perfect unit for your needs. Give us a call or stop by our facility today!
